The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

3e engraving

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 27, 2020, 2:25 pm

The engraving on my 3e's trigger guard (regular weight, straight grip stock) is completely eroded as pitting from rust has destroyed it. I am needing a good image as to have it recut. Anything which could help would be greatly appreciated as the hold up is finding a good image. Thanks in advance. Zachary

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Tom Archer on August 27, 2020, 5:08 pm, in reply to "3e engraving "

There's a 3E pictured on Puglisi's site, but the guard may not be inclusive enough to help (but sharp pics!). As to your Grade 3 guard, why limit yourself to something standard? The Grade 3 was a special order gun and I've seen a wide variety of engraving motifs on Grade 3 guards from pointing dogs, dog heads, game birds, initials, and scrolls. Why not engrave with something that personalized the gun to you?

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 30, 2020, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Thanks for the suggestions. I have thought of doing that but really want to get it back to its factory correct state. I will check out that website.

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Tom Archer on August 30, 2020, 10:58 am, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Understand completely, but remember that all Grade 3 guns were special order items and it is not uncommon at all to find a Grade 3 with unique custom features such as the 3E below that looks more like a 5E, or the 3E below ordered with A2 Grade equivalent engraving. And although I've no photo, I've seen one 3E ordered with stepped side plates; so it's OK to take a liberty or two with an engraving repair PROVIDED the work performed is done in the same style as would have been done by period Hunter employees.

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 31, 2020, 2:35 pm, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

I first looked at the image that you posted before reading and initially thought there is no way that it was a 3e but after reading I understand what you are saying. I knew that they would add custom options, engravings, etc. but didn't know they would go to that extent within the grade. Thanks for the information. That was a very informative for me.

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Tom Archer on August 31, 2020, 4:25 pm, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Thanks Zack; and in the event you seriously get into Smith gun collecting expect to encounter oddities, and especially in the pre-1913 models. Within reason the Hunter Arms Company would always meet special customer requests provided the customer was willing to pay for the privilege; and a fair number of customers were willing to do just that, as they preferred their PERSONAL 3E (or other grade) not to look exactly as the 3E their shooting bud or neighbor owned. For me it was finding these unique "one offs" that made Smith gun collecting interesting for me; and my experience is that the collector will find more unique guns made prior to 1913 than 1913 and onwards.

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 31, 2020, 5:34 pm, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Thanks. My plan right now is to attain one of most grades or models and then go after those oddities. I missed out on a highly customized lc smith grade 3 a few years back as I was busy at the clinic and think of it often as it was one which sported a high level of engraving and finish but a non ejector as well as double trigger. I am currently restoring an 1850's plantation home so most of my time and financial efforts are going twords that but after I finish that then I am going back to my gun searching. A fellow member sent me some images and I think we should be able to get the engraving fairly close.

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Mike Harris on September 1, 2020, 2:10 pm, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Zachary, I have a 3E parts gun with a straight stock and trigger guard if you are interested. Serial #9339 I think. You can email me at lcsmithdeluxe@gmail.com

Re: 3e engraving

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on September 1, 2020, 9:09 pm, in reply to "Re: 3e engraving "

Email sent. Zachary

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